Specialty Treatment for Early Psychosis (STEP)

Santé's Specialty Treatment for Early Psychosis (STEP) Clinic is an outpatient treatment program in Silver Spring for individuals aged 15–30 who have recently experienced a first episode of psychosis. STEP provides early identification, evaluation, and comprehensive psychiatric and psychosocial treatment of adolescents and young adults in the early stages of a mental illness with psychosis.

How STEP works

STEP uses the Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) model, an evidence-based approach to treating individuals who are experiencing a first episode of psychosis (FEP). The CSC team works alongside each individual to develop a personalized treatment plan based on their strengths, preferences, and goals. The goal is not simply to manage symptoms, but to help individuals regain stability, maintain meaningful relationships, continue their education or employment, and build the future they envision.

Depending on each individual’s wants, the team offers:

  • Medication managementA psychiatric provider helps decide whether medication could help and monitors how it's working.
  • Individual therapyOne-on-one sessions to understand symptoms, build coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
  • Family education and supportMulti-family psychoeducation groups where families learn about psychosis and how to support their loved one.
  • Group therapyA chance to connect with and learn from other young people facing similar challenges.
  • Service coordination and case managementHelp with practical needs and connecting to resources in the community.
  • Supported education and employmentHelp staying in or returning to school, or finding and keeping a job.
  • Peer supportEncouragement and guidance from someone with lived experience of mental health recovery.

Who is eligible

To be eligible for STEP, individuals must:

  • Be ages 15–30
  • Have experienced a first episode of psychosis within the past two years
  • Live within 30 miles of our Silver Spring office

Live farther away? We can connect you with another First Episode Psychosis clinic in Maryland.

How to make a referral

Getting started is easy. Referrals can be made by individuals, family members, friends, healthcare providers, or other trusted members of your support network. All referrals are coordinated through the Maryland Early Intervention Program (MEIP) Central Resource Line. To make a referral, please call 877-277-MEIP (6347).

You'll be asked about what's going on, including symptoms and when they started, along with basic information such as insurance. It's a conversation about how we can help.

The resource line is not a crisis line; expect a return call within 24 hours, Monday–Friday.

Current STEP clients: Call the STEP Clinic at 301-589-2303.

Part of the MEIP Network

STEP is a proud member of the Maryland Early Intervention Program Network, a statewide effort to improve care for young people experiencing early psychosis. Learn more at marylandeip.com.